Jul 20, 2014

07:49 AM

Hillary Clinton Signs Copies of 'Hard Choices' in Madison; 1,000 Line Up

By Sean Carlin

Mara Lavitt/New Haven Register

R.J. Julia Booksellers in Madison hosted a Hillary Clinton book-signing for her book “Hard Choices” July 19. At least 1,000 people got their copies signed. Clinton greets James Thomas, senior fellow at the Yale Law School.

“I am so thrilled to meet her,” said Rowena Gatta, 63 of Branford. “She may be the first female president.”

Thom Guthrie, of West Haven, said he heard about the book signing a few weeks ago when he was in R.J. Julia to pick up a book and arrived at 10 a.m. on Saturday to stand in line along the Boston Post Road.

“I’ve been a huge Hillary fan,” Guthrie, 43, said. It’s an honor to meet “someone who’s that much a part of history.”

R.J. Julia is no stranger to high-profile guests, but Clinton’s visit is near the top, owner Roxanne Coady said.

“She’s at the tippy-top of the people” who have come here, Coady said.

Just before 4 p.m., Clinton walked into R.J. Julia’s gift area to applause from the first group of people in line at the book signing.

“I’m so happy to be here,” Clinton said before introducing Coady and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal.

Clinton didn’t speak to reporters, but wide-eyed guests boasted of the precious seconds they spent with the former first lady.